Bob and Pam Nodine: Oregon Coast from Coos Bay to Newport

We spent the last three days exploring the Oregon coast from Coos Bay to Newport. A unique thing about the Oregon coast is that the entire coast line from the water up to 16 vertical feet from low tide belongs to the public and cannot be developed. This process began in 1911 by building the coast highway and became law in 1967 with the passing of the Oregon Beach Bill. The results are that a large portion of the Oregon coast has remained in its natural state and presents a beautiful visual experience to anyone driving up and down the coast. The following Wikipedia link gives the history of efforts to preserve the coast and make it available to the public.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Beach_Bill

Here are a few photos of some of the vistas.

Looking south from the Sea Lion Caves

Looking north from the Sea Lion Caves to Heceta Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Lighthouse just north of Newport

The Sea Lion Caves is a popular tourist attraction north of Florence. The property was purchased from the state of Oregon in 1887 by a Captain Cox. The family sold the property in 1927 and it was opened as a tourist attraction in 1932. Here a two links for anyone interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Lion_Caves

http://www.sealioncaves.com/about.php

The sea lions only use the caves in the winter and were on the shore when we visited. You could smell them long before you saw them down below. The stench was overwhelming and difficult to endure. On the bright side, once you walked a few feet back up the path the air was again fresh.

Steller Sea Lions

California Sea Lions

Sea Lion Cave

The Oregon coast between Coos Bay and Florence contains large sand dunes and we went for a dune buggy ride. Granted the one we choose produced a milder and less thrilling adventure but was still fun and gave us a sense of the dunes up close.